April 22, 2007

Thoughts on Three New CDs

I've been pretty excited music-wise last month because three new CDs by artists I like were just released.

Hilary Duff ~ Dignity

The first time I heard the album all the songs sounded like one very long song: all the songs were basically disco-ey dance songs. But seeing new photos and watching videos of Hilary Duff busy promoting the CD in fantastic outfits encouraged me to give the CD more chances (-yes, I'm shallow this way). After listening to the CD a few more times, I was in love with most of the songs.

The lyrics are actually well-written and the songs are just so fun without being dumb. I think Hilary described it best in an interview with Girlfriend magazine: 'There are many records on the air that are like, "Shake your ass, blah blah blah." I love that kind of music, but I wanted my record to have some meaning too.' And surprisingly, most music reviews thought the album was better than expected too, so if you like this kind of music, give it a try. Songs I am loving: With Love, Dignity, Happy, Burned

Good Charlotte ~ Good Morning Revival

This CD got loads of bad reviews, but I liked it mostly. Partly because I like pop rock and this album is it; partly because the melodies are easy to the ears and the beat just makes one bob their heads along; and a tiny bit because I think Joel is cute (I actually miss his and Benji's eyeliner-smudged eyes!). Yes it is very different from Good Charlotte's early albums but hey, they grew up. The only thing I didn't like was that it sounded too polished. I liked it better when it sounded like they were a band from the neighbourhood. Songs I am loving: The River, Break Apart Her Heart, Keep Your Hands Off My Girl, Misery

Avril Lavigne ~ The Best Damn Thing

Err, I don't know what to say. I mean, the songs aren't bad, but they're just so... cheerful. I loved her previous albums, Let Go and Under My Skin, but this album felt a bit immature for someone who had made those albums. Yes, Girlfirend is seriously catchy but I just expected more from Avril. On a side note, did anyone else think it was really weird seeing Avril dance in Girlfriend's music video?

Maybe this is part of the reason I don't like her CD that much -pink frilly dress, seriously? And that eye makeup does not look good. I liked her so much more when she wore more black and white clothes and Converse or Vans sneakers. So ya, I just thought The Best Damn Thing was just ok and the slow songs are definitely better than the fast ones.

Obviously I am no music critic, but I thought it would be fun to share and see what everyone thought of the CDs. Anyone else heard these new CDs? Which CDs and songs are your favourite?

56 Comments:

Anonymous said...

I haven't listened to the Good Charlotte CD yet but I know what you mean about Hilary Duff's CD, even though she is about the most manufactured person out there, her songs just seem to hit something inside and make you feel good. I also expected more from Avril, what the hell is she doing? In her Girlfriend video all she does is make fun of someone who is wearing boring clothes and glasses, talk about pushing stereotypes.

I have to disagree. I thought that Hilary Duff's new album was absolutely horrible. The lyrics were atrocious-immature, overly repetitive and cliche (don't get me started on some of the grammar), and the melodies... well what melodies? Her vocals aren't particularly strong and her songs, to me, all sound VERY similar and dead. Now, I'm all for understanding what you're good at and sticking to it, but I wish she would challenge herself a bit more!

I agree with you just about word for word concerning Avril. I got used to Girlfriend but most of the album just disappointed me. I thought I would love her stuff forever. It sounded more like the punkish boy bands that we have too many of. I think it will be really fun live maybe, but as an album...utter disappointment.

The song "Hot" was really cute. It was surprising for her to do a sexy song. It turned out very nice.

^ Sorry, but I agree; it's like teeny-bopper-palooza. I'm not a music expert by any means, but maybe you'd like to try some indie-ish bands, like The Stills (their first album, "logic will break your heart" is the closest thing to perfect), Muse and Band of Horses.

ohhh i agree on what you said about avril's cd. I have both her other albums; and i like all the songs on them, but the best damn thing was a dissapointment. (i think i only like 3/4 songs + keep holding on ofcourse)i like the style she has on the album booklet though and in her new clip. it is funky and happy, i like to think that is because she's married and in love and all now :p

Im from hk too, well im actually BBC (british born chinese). I agree with winnie, would be good if u could do a blog on your taste in chinese music. Also would be nice if you could do something on good places to shop in hk, im going back in the summer... cant wait!!

I'm kind of indifferent to your choices, I mean, for lack of a better word they're just - bad.

For music with a soul check out Jamiroquai, The Fratellis, Michelle Featherstone, Jem, Ivy, Tegan and Sara, Rilo Kiley, Damien Rice ("9 Crimes" is gorgeous)... I could go on and on.

For songs that are easy to love, I'd go for "Juicy" by Better Than Ezra, "And Be Loved" by Damian Marley, "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry, "I Will Survive" by Cake, "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand, "I Really Miss You" by Goldfinger, "If I Could Fall In Love" by Lenny Kravitz, "LDN" by Lily Allen (& pretty much anything else by her), "In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry, and "Cinnamon Girl" by Prince.

The song I'm most addicted to right now is "Sister Kate" by The Ditty Bops - it's so fun and swingy. If I could shimmy like my sister Kate, shake it like a bowl of jelly on a plate...

I've heard all of the Good Charlotte CD and most of the Avril Lavigne, and I think they're both alright. Avril is changing her image so much but you know what? I really don't mind it. I mean, there's nothing amazingly meaningful in any of her songs or anything but they're fun. The Hilary Duff? I haven't heard any of it, and honestly I don't really plan too.

As for the people commenting on her "bad" taste in music, just... ughh stop telling people what to like. "maybe you'd like to try some indie-ish bands" um well, I'm sure she'll appreciate the suggestions but music does not have to be "indie" to be good. If she likes "teeny-bopper" music (so if "teeny-boppers" like a song or an artist its automatically off limits to anyone with "good taste" in music?) so what? OK I'll shut up now.

It was the most hilarious thing to read about Avril Lavigne being "so excited" to do "choreographed dance" for the first time. Pretty soon she'll be wearing the strap-on microphones she formerly mocked.

Anyone see Avril on The Ellen Show recently? I loved her sparkly black eyes, they looked so cool when she blinked! Hated her unatural two-stepping (it was almost as bizarre as Ashlee Simpson's SNL jig).

I love your blog and your taste in fashion. But, I must say I am a tad bit disappointed in your selection of music. I was expecting more of a mature, sophisticated taste to go along with your wardrobe. I wasn't expecting to see bubbly teen pops. I'm not here to criticize you, it's just that I could always relate to you. But now that I read your post, I feel like I'm talking to my niece. Keep up the good work with the blog.

OMG ASIAN MUSIc SUcKS! i can't stand it. they almost ALWAYS steal the beats from american songs and sing nasally with new chinese lyrics! SOOO ANNOYING! AND UNORIGINAL. I HAVE NEVER HEARD ORIGINAL, GOOD ASIAN MUSIc IN MY LIFE. hate it all! boo hoo!

and indie music snobs are even worse than teen boppers! it's so annoying how they're always trying to find the weirdest, unknown bands. honestly, i can't stand a lot of that indie shit they play on college stations, it's so annoying and boring, i can't understand how anyone would enjoy listening to it in their free time unless they're an introverted, stuck up bore.

You should stick to what you're good at blogging about - fashion and it's counterparts. I know everyone has different tastes in music, but I was shocked at the 3 artists you chose to highlight. With such a high taste in fashion I'm surprised with the LOW taste in music. Hillary Duff, Good Charlotte, Avril .... yuck! don't tell me you watch TRL too.

I know I already posted on this board earlier but I have something to say which coincides with this topic.

I was at Prom last night and all of a sudden Girlfriend by Avril Lavigene came on. Some boys started dancing too it for fun and then basically every girl in the room ran out out and started jumping up and down with their fists in the air, singing along. It was a really funny scene but the first time I heard the song all the way through, it was really catchy. While not the greatest lyrics, it catches blunt teenage girl emotions quite well.

this is i am fashion.not i am shitty music for 8 year olds. stick to fashion, sister. you know we are ALL disappointed in your immature taste in music. so hopefully this will be the last post you ever make about music or movies because you have extremely bad taste.

First, I would like to say what a great job you do with all the fashion blogs you do. Love it all!!. I think it's kinda rude what all these peeps are saying about your lack of music taste. These people are just hating. Don't listen to them. Music by the way, is an independent taste. Everyone has thier own style. Thats why there's so many artists to choose from. Do let anyone tell you or say what good or bad. Its a personal decision.

Anyway, I like all kinds of music. And yes even these 3 artists. i love em. I was thinking of buying the HIlary Duff but none of her songs are really played on the radio here in Southern California. So I automatically think it didnt get enough requests and it sucks. But i dunno. I think I'll give it a try. I mean i liked some of her past songs. And as for GC, I liekd thier precious songs and liek thier beats, but I think its too dark for me. They kinda look like their on the dark side and I am not really into that. It scares me. And Avril, well all these peeps are right about how shes changed her image. But so did Gwen Stefani and we still love her. So we should give Avril a Try. I mean common, she in love. And dont we listen to songs to cheer us up anyway. Some for meaning but mostly to cheer us up and nod our head. I bought her CD this weekend actually and like it. but of coarse it doesnt compare to her previous CD, but its still good. I'll stick by her.

I actually very much like "Girlfriend", but then again, I love all repetitive songs and Avril Lavigne! Oh and Hilary Duff's new CD is really cute- I adore "With Love" even though the music video is just a huge commercial for her perfume!!!

Everyone, stop acting so holier than thou, pop fans AND indie fans. While I would rather fall off a tall building than listen to Avril or any of those people you listed, if that's your taste, then that's your taste.

(By the way, indie music is not annoying or boring. Broaden your musical horizons.)

There are some pop-y, melodic, happy bands that you'd probably enjoy just as much as your pop music, except that they're not as mainstream: Belle and Sebastian, The Decemberists, Architecture in Helsinki, Metric, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Shins, The Weepies (they're working on Mandy Moore's next album), and Of Montreal are just a couple of examples.

^I disagree. I like to hear about other people's musical choices, whether I personally think they're good or not.

I'll fully admit to still having Spice Girls & Backstreet Boys songs on my iPod. I grew up with their manufactured pop and I'm attached to some of their songs ("Walk of Life" and "Say You Will Be There" by Spice Girls & the irresistably dance-able "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"). Fortunately, I've also been introduced to new styles and it's so worth checking them out.

Avril's "Girlfriend" song is both insanely catchy and insanely annoying. Just listen to the lyrics: She's like so whateverYou can do so much better I think we should get together nowAnd that's what everyone's talking about...

Keep posting recommendations people, I love listening to new music too!

i have to admit that for someone with such fantastic fashion sense i was disappointed in your taste in music. All of these artists are REALLY mainstream and REALLY commercial but whatever floats your boat. I'd recommend the rapture, m. ward, belle & sebastian, and fujiya and miyagi :)

dont you worry about music snobs. i am one myself to an extent (no i don't listen to indie), though i'd never speak in such derogatory tone. ignore the dickheads who dont have anything constructive to say in comments. plus, it's the internet, no big deal. =)

although i think the ppl who commented on this entry left pretty rude remarks, i have to admit to not liking thos artists much myself :Pnot all mainstream is bad and manufactured melodies, and indie isn't all emo peeps screaming...mainstream is catchier, though frankly irritating after a whileso then i listen to indie alternativesi'm just relieved you didn't post any country music, haha

I know this is kinda late, but yay for whoever mentioned Of Montreal. That stuff is just so goddamn catchy. Also, Art Brut is pretty catchy, if you an get past Eddie's very thick accent. And the Pipettes sing kind of retro-y girl band stuff, that's very addictive to listen to, but has some interestingly subversive lyrics. And Feist is catchy too, especially 'My Man my moon'. And the Long blondes are fun too. Oh, and if you liked the song from the iPod ad, by the Fratellis, their song 'Cigarello' is way more fun and catchy. And the Grates are really fun too. Just saying, this stuff is fairly indie, but none of it is too weird or crazy, and looking at the songs and musicians you mentioned, I'd guess you like happy, catchy, fun songs more than weird and creepy. This is just to add to what the poster above said about good fun indie music, although the Decemberists are one of my favourite bands, Meloy's vocals can take some getting used to, they're pretty nasal.

And to the indie snobs, seriously man, just shut up. Music is music, there shouldn't be any dissing of other people's tastes, music is just too individual. And yes, I do listen to mostly indie, and wish more people would listen to and support indie artists. But I do that by encouraging people by suggesting bands for them to check out that I think they would like based on their mainstream tastes, not insult their taste in music. Even though I don't care for the artists mentioned that much, I understand why she likes them.

Oh and whoever said Good Charlotte was rock, please, please go buy some AC/DC and listen to that.